Alaska's Gates of the Arctic National Park is encompassed in the rugged Central Brooks Range, with its remnant glaciers, and uplifted limestone spires, slowly crumbling into the tundra. These mountains offer a haunting beauty that compels us deep into the mountains.
One writer has referred to one of these hidden valleys as “Shangri-la. The meadow so pristine, so silent, so still. Its lushness even more incongruous against the starkness of the spires…”
This trek offers an opportunity to sample some of the best terrain in Gates of the Arctic National Park. We climb up over a pass in the shadow of the mountains, and work our way through enchanted stream valleys, the domain of Dall sheep, caribou, grizzly bears, moose, caribou, wolves, and foxes. On August trips, blueberries will be prime for picking!
Your Itinerary
Day 1:
Meet the evening prior to trip for dinner with group.
Today we fly from Fairbanks via small plane to the small village of Bettles, above the Arctic Circle, flightseeing over the Steese and White Mountains, the Trans-Alaska Pipeline and the Yukon River. From here, we travel by bush floatplane to a lake deep in the Central Brooks Range, and set up camp amidt spectacular mountain scenery.
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Day 2:
Day hiking in the mountains, along the Continental (Arctic) Divide. It is fascinating to be at the point where the rivers change direction from north--to the Arctic Ocean, to south-to the Yukon River. We hike over trailless tundra, entirely above the trees.
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Day 3:
Backpacking along a tributary that flows north.
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Day 4:
Backpacking.
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Day 5:
Layover day for hiking and exploration.
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Day 6:
Backpacking north along tributary of the Colville River.
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Day 7:
Another layover day; optional hikes and climbs of mountain ridges.
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Day 8:
Backpacking. We reach a splendid clearwater lake, where the caribou often stream by in small bands. Explore remains of cabin left by pioneering photographers more than 4 decades ago.
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Day 9:
We are picked up by floatplane today, and fly back over the mountains, so close we feel as though we can touch them. Flightseeing tour of Arrigetch Peaks, and back to Bettles, where we catch a flight back to Fairbanks.
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Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Dates for 2005: August 8-16
We cater to special dietary needs. Discount for custom groups.
Trip price includes all air transportation, food, expert leadership, community gear from Fairbanks.
Also see tour packages in:
USA
Alaska
Hiking & Trekking
Wildlife Viewing
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